The secretary-general of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr Mohammed Sanusi on Monday led the spate of tributes in mourning the death of a former technical director of the soccer governing body, Chief Kashimawo Laloko, megasportsarena.com reports.
While former Golden Eaglets and Flying Eagles coach, John Obuh reeled out a long dirge in honour of the Olori Parakoyi of Egbaland, who died at Sacred Heart Catholic Hospital in Ogun State capital, Abeokuta at the age of 76, Sanusi said he received the news with great shock.
Sanusi described the late Laloko, as an astute football administrator of the first grade and a peerless youth developer who was passionate, diligent and effervescent in his activities, which was highlighted by his role as the pioneer of youth football academy programmes in the country.
That Laloko did by floating Pepsi Football Academy in 1992 and set enviable standards for the running of academies, as he drove the project with all his might, intellect, savvy, experience and eland, leaving no one in doubt about his passion for the game, particularly for developmental efforts in the round leather game.
Sanusi posited: “We have lost another big tree with the demise of Chief Laloko. He served the game and the nation with all his ardour and zest. We cannot question God. We can only pray that God grants him eternal rest and grant those he has left behind the fortitude to bear the big loss.”
Adding his voice to the lamentations, Nigeria’s under-17 and under-20 national team’s former coach, John Obuh joined in mourning the death of the NFF’s one-time technical controller, whose passing was revealed in the late hours of Sunday.
Obuh, who coached the Golden Eaglets to silver on home soil at Nigeria 209 FIFA U-17 World Cup but fell short in two stints with the Flying Eagles at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2011 and 2013, reeled a long and hugely emotional dirge in memory of Laloko, who he described as his biggest mentor in the round leather game.
While also noting the immense contributions to Nigerian football from the founder of Pepsi Football Academy and Football College, Obuh poured deep encomiums in his glowing tribute to the former coach of Stationery Stores FC of Lagos and Gambia’s senior national team.
Obuh stated in his lengthy tribute: “Last night I thought it was one of those usual rumours in the media but little did I know it was true. This morning, I woke up to the reality that the news that filtered around in the sporting world was as terrible as it sounds.
“My mentor Kashimawo Laloko, who hugely shaped my views on life, work and many other things had passed away. I have never met someone as equally impressive, smart and grounded in the game as Chief Laloko.
“It is not that common at this stage of our careers to have professionals who shape our intellect, interest, and life in general. But Laloko did that. While we were originally brought together for football purposes, I soon began to learn from his views and perspectives.
“His wealth of knowledge for the round leather game. That will always be fundamental for my understanding of the world. I hope that everyone, when such people cross their paths, never take people like Laloko for granted. I certainly never did, and never will.
“Coach of all coaches, you carved your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you. We will surely meet to part no more, rest in peace the great Laloko.”
